DELTA SOCIETY Pet Partners Team Evaluation Volunteer Orientation Package
PET PARTNERS TEAM EVALUATION Volunteer Orientation Package FINAL REV 0_SEPTEMBER 2001 Delta Society 580 Naches Ave SW Suite 101 Renton, WA 98055-2297 Phone 425.917.1115 Fax 425.235.1076 Website www.deltasociety.org <http://www.deltasociety.org> Delta Society 2001. All Rights Reserved. Final Rev 0 September 2001 i
Table of Contents Introduction 1 Overview of Tests 1 Pet Partners Skills Test (PPST) 1 Pet Partners Aptitude Test (PPAT) 2 And Now a Word about Consistency 2 Preparing for the Test 2 Processes and Procedures 2 Policies 3 Protecting Yourself, Other People, the Animal being Evaluated, and Other Animals3 Basic Precautions 3 Observing the Animal 4 Other Characteristics to Note 5 Postural Signal and Behavior 5 Aggression 5 Play 5 Fear 6 Behavior is Fluid 6 Touching the Animal 6 How to Approach an Animal 6 Pet Partners Team Evaluation Score Sheet 7 Delta Society 2001. All Rights Reserved. Final Rev 0 September 2001 ii
Introduction The Delta team tanks you for volunteering to help with the Pet Partners Team Evaluation. The Evaluator running the test will meet with the volunteers before the test is scheduled to start. Bring any questions you have about the information in this package or the test. If you and your animal will be evaluated, make sure you have safe place to keep the animal while you re working. This package is given to volunteers assisting with the Pet Partners Team Evaluation. Your comments are invited. Overview of Tests The Pet Partners Team Evaluation has two tests: Pet Partners Skills Test (PPST) Pet Partners Aptitude Test (PPAT) The tests are applied to and adapted for all animals. The two-step process is important to make sure that animals have the training necessary to ensure that they are controllable and have the aptitude necessary to remain predictable and reliable in a variety of situations and settings. The handler must also demonstrate social skills and aptitude for working with a variety of people in different settings. In addition, these test how the team s ability to work well together in visiting animal programs. Pet Partners Skills Test (PPST) The PPST makes sure the animal is controllable and the team possesses the basic skills required for AAA/T. Not every team can participate in AAA/T. Delta Society 2001. All Rights Reserved. Final Rev 0 September 2001 1
For example, if you were running a hospital, would you want dogs making visits in your hospital that pull at the leash, jump up on people, and bark? This test is based on the American Kennel Club s Canine Good Citizenship test, with modifications for visiting situations and for other animals. Pet Partners Aptitude Test (PPAT) The PPAT ensures the teams are: Reliable Predictable Inspire confidence in people being visited Suitable to the task The PPAT also evaluates the handler s comfort in working in various kinds of visiting situations. Teamwork is vital to successful AAA/T interactions. Not every animal wants to participate in AAA/T, no matter how much its handler wants it to. The PPAT provides evaluators with information about the team s aptitude for AAA/T. And Now a Word about Consistency With all the different programs that certify teams, there must be consistency in how teams are evaluated to be Pet Partners. The Pet Partners evaluation is based on and consistent with Delta Society s Standard of Practice for Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy. Preparing for the Test Processes and Procedures The specific processes and procedures to be used for the test will be covered at a meeting before the test. A sample Pet Partners Team Evaluation Score Sheet has been included at the end of this document. Delta Society 2001. All Rights Reserved. Final Rev 0 September 2001 2
Policies These are some general policies you need to be aware of and follow. The testing of the animal/handler teams starts as they enter the test area and doesn t stop until they leave. If, before or after a handler/animal team has been evaluated, you observe what you feel to be inappropriate or questionable behavior by that handler and/or animal, note which handler/animal has exhibited the behavior and notify the Evaluator as soon as possible. The Team Evaluator and the persons s/he designates are responsible for the evaluation of animals for the Pet Partners Program. The decisions of the Evaluator are final. Protecting Yourself, Other People, the Animal being Evaluated, and Other Animals The processes, procedures, and policies followed during the evaluation provide a high level of protection for everyone involved in the test. This section identifies the steps the evaluator will take and what you can do to help maintain this level of protection. Basic Precautions Team Evaluators are trained and certified by Delta Society and have extensive experience with dogs and other animals. They recognize signs of aggression and potential problems and may be able to prevent problems. Dogs and other animals used during the test have been previously evaluated for the appropriate temperament. Before testing, the participants sign the necessary forms to release you and Delta Society from liability. If an animal or handler exhibits questionable reactions, don t take any chances. Notify the Evaluator. For example, some dog breeds may make low, rumbling noises as you pick up their paws or handle them. If you are uncomfortable, don t be intimidated by an owner who says, He s talking to you. Delta Society 2001. All Rights Reserved. Final Rev 0 September 2001 3
If an animal appears shy, aggressive, out of control, or fearful, the animal will not be forced into continuing the test. The test will be stopped and, as gracefully as possible, the handler will be told that more work must be done. If a handler acts in an unprofessional or unkind way toward animals or people, notify the Evaluator. When in doubt, the Evaluator makes conservative decision: It is mush better to make an error on the side of caution than to risk an accident during the test or later in a therapy visit. Delta requires owner to present copies of rabies certificates. Some owners will ask Evaluators to trust them when they show up without the required proof. For the safety of all animals and individuals involved in the testing, it is critical that owners show proof before taking the test. Observing the Animal The ability to notice the smallest behavioral nuance, discreet changes in posture or expression, and the ability respond to these signals is the hallmark of safe versus risky evaluations, and adequate versus exceptional evaluations. Begin to develop a mental checklist to ensure that you note: Postural signals/stance e.g., how the ears and tail are held, where its center of balance is, how erect it is Response to sounds e.g., ignores, startles and recovers, trembles Changes in activity level e.g., high to low Piloerectoin (i.e., hair standing on end) e.g., which part of its coat is erect, if any Eye contact e.g., avoids, staring, eyes closed Facial expression e.g., tight versus relaxed mouth, smiling, furrowed brow Verbalizations e.g., whining, barking, sighing, growling Delta Society 2001. All Rights Reserved. Final Rev 0 September 2001 4
Other Characteristics to Note Age e.g., geriatric, adolescent Sexual status e.g., intact, neutered/spayed Health problems e.g., chronic illness, level of pain, disabilities, managed illness Maturity level e.g., well-socialized versus not socialized Postural Signal and Behavior If an animal exhibits behaviors once or twice, do not assume that animal is stressed, afraid, etc. The animal should exhibit clusters of responses before you can be sure of the animal s condition. The majority of the characteristics that follow apply to dogs. Certain postural signals or body language are associated with specific types of behavior. Vocalizations and facial expression (for animals that have this ability) add to the picture of specific behaviors. For example: Aggression Erect hair Deep growling or other low pitched loud vocalizations Direct, fixed stare Erect, forward posture Tight mouth Play Indirect eye contact Ears alert, moving or head moving Face alert Posture bouncing, head lowered High pitched vocalizations Delta Society 2001. All Rights Reserved. Final Rev 0 September 2001 5
Fear Body crouched or hunched Head down No eye contact High, singsong vocalizations Behavior is Fluid Behavior does not, however, skip from aggression to play to fear and back. Behavior is fluid, and postural signals or body language blends like a dance as the animal interacts with the changing environment. Many of these signals are very subtle or seem to occur out of context. Touching the Animal When the animal is handled, its body also communicates its feelings. A relaxed, soft body is desired. Animals that are tense, have a hard body, a clenched jaw, or are trembling may not be appropriate for AAA/T. How to Approach an Animal How you approach an animal will be species and breed specific. At a minimum, follow these recommendations: Posture Use a natural posture. Tone of voice Talk using a tender, singsong, high, friendly, natural tone of voice. Angle of approach Don t walk straight in to the animal. Come in at a slight angle to the side. Movements and gestures Do not use any quick movements or stiff gestures. Clothing Do not wear dangling items. Wear neutral clothing and a minimum of jewelry. Delta Society 2001. All Rights Reserved. Final Rev 0 September 2001 6
Pet Partners Team Evaluation Score Sheet Attached are the Pet Partners Skills and Aptitude Tests score sheets used during evaluations. Delta Society 2001. All Rights Reserved. Final Rev 0 September 2001 7
Pet Partners Team Evaluation Score Sheet PPST Handler: Date: Animal: (Name, Species, and Breed) Very Small Dog? Y N (put C next to exercises for which dog was carried) Handler Animal ( ) Exercise 1: Review Handler s Questionnaire Team: (not scored for this exercise) ( ) Exercise 2: Accepting a Friendly Stranger Team: NA NR 1 2 1 some proactive OK interactions some stress 1 some stress some fear, recovers some displacemen NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues some extra guidance sometimes enjoys interactions displacement clusters approached shield away ( ) Exercise 3: Accepting Petting Team: NA NR 1 2 1 some proactive OK interactions some stress 1 some stress some fear, recovers some displacemen NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues some extra guidance sometimes enjoys interactions displacement clusters approached shield away ( ) Exercise 4: Appearance and Grooming Team: NA NR 1 2 2 proactive smooth good interactions relaxed very appropriate appearance 2 relaxed smooth seeks, enjoys interactions very appropriate appearance 1 some proactive OK interactions some stress 1 some stress some fear, recovers some displacemen NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues some extra guidance sometimes enjoys interactions not OL appearanc OK appearance displacement clusters not OK appearance ( ) Exercise 5: Out for a Walk (all dogs must walk on Team: NA NR 1 2 2 proactive smooth good interactions relaxed 2 relaxed smooth loose lead 1 some proactive OK interactions some stress 1 some stress some fear, recovers some displacemen NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues some tight lead NR fearful tight lead displacement clusters ( ) Exercise 6: Walking through a Crowd Team: NA NR 1 2 2 proactive smooth good interactions relaxed 2 relaxed smooth loose lead 1 some proactive OK interactions some stress 1 some stress some fear, recovers some displacemen NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues some tight lead distracted by crowd NR fearful approached shield away tigh displacement clusters Team must score no less than 2 on each of these exercises to be eligible for Complex Environment Qualification. Delta Society 2001. All Rights Reserved. Final Rev 0 September 2001 8
( ) Exercise 7: Reaction to Distractions Team: NA NR 1 2 2 proactive smooth good interactions relaxed 2 relaxed smooth loose lead no, little reaction 1 some proactive OK interactions some stress recovers quickly NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues 1 some stress some fear, recovers some displacemen some tight lead distracted by crowd some startle, recovers quickly NR fearful approached shield away tigh displacement clusters startles, doesn t recover ( ) Exercise 8: Sit on Cue or Pass between Strange Team: NA NR 1 2 1 some proactive OK interactions some stress sat on initial cue NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues 1 some stress some fear, recovers some displacemen multiple cues sometimes enjoys interactions displacement clusters didn t sit did not stay in laps ( ) Exercise 9: Down on Cue (Skip for cats & carried dog Team: NA NR 1 2 2 proactive smooth good interactions relaxed 2 relaxed smooth down on initial cue 1 some proactive OK interactions some stress 1 some stress some fear, recovers some displacemen NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues multiple cues NR fearful displacement clusters didn t dow ( ) Exercise 10: Stay in Place Team: NA NR 1 2 2 proactive smooth good interactions relaxed 2 relaxed smooth enjoys interactions 1 some proactive OK interactions some stress stayed as placed entire time NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues 1 some stress some fear, recovers some displacemen sometimes enjoys interactions still in boxed area displacement clusters didn t stay, left boxed area ( ) Exercise 11: Come when Called (All dogs, dogs only Team: NA NR 1 2 2 proactive smooth good interactions relaxed 2 relaxed smooth enjoys interactions 1 some proactive OK interactions some stress come on initial cue NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues 1 some stress some fear, recovers some displacemen multiple cues sometimes enjoys interactions displacement clusters didn t come ( ) Exercise 12: Reaction to a Neutral Dog Team: NA NR 1 2 2 proactive smooth good interactions relaxed 2 relaxed smooth ignores or casual interest loose 1 some proactive OK interactions some stress 1 some stress some fear, recovers some displacemen NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues some tight lead sometimes enjoys interactions NR fearful displacement clusters tight lead avoids, tolerates interactions approached shield aw Team must score no less than 2 on each of these exercises to be eligible for Complex Environment Qualification. Delta Society 2001. All Rights Reserved. Final Rev 0 September 2001 9
Pet Partners Team Evaluation Score Sheet PPAT Handler: Animal: (Name, Species, and Breed) Handler Animal ( ) Exercise A: Overall Exam Team: NA NR 1 2 NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues no role play some extra guidance sometimes enjoys interactions displacement clusters too sensitive to touch ( ) Exercise B: Exuberant and Clumsy Petting Team: NA NR 1 2 NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues no role play some extra guidance sometimes enjoys interactions displacement clusters too sensitive to touch ( ) Exercise C: Restraining Hug Team: NA NR 1 2 NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues no role play some extra guidance sometimes enjoys interactions displacement clusters avoided, pulled out from hug ( ) Exercise D: Staggering, Gesturing Individual Team: NA NR 1 2 startles, recovers some extra guidance sometimes enjoys interactions NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues no role play displacement clusters ( ) Exercise E: Angry Yelling Team: NA NR 1 2 startles, recovers some extra guidance sometimes enjoys interactions NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues no role play displacement clusters ( ) Exercise F: Bumped from Behind Team: NA NR 1 2 startles, recovers some extra guidance sometimes enjoys interactions NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues no role play displacement clusters Team must score no less than 2 on each of these exercises to be eligible for Complex Environment Qualification. Delta Society 2001. All Rights Reserved. Final Rev 0 September 2001 10
Handler Animal ( ) Exercise G: Crowded & Petted by Several Peop Team: NA NR 1 2 NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues no role play some extra guidance sometimes enjoys interactions displacement clusters ( ) Exercise H: Leave It Team: NA NR 1 2 2 proactive smooth good interactions relaxed 2 relaxed smooth ignored toy NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues no role play some extra guidance NR fearful displacement clusters grabbed t ( ) Exercise I: Offered a Treat Team: NA NR 1 2 gentl NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues no role play some extra guidance sometimes enjoys interactions displacement clusters grabbed treat ( ) Exercise J: Overall Assessment Team: NA NR 1 2 2 proactive smooth relaxed Not Applicable 1 some proactive some stress NR reactive/inactive unnecessary cues Overall Qualification: Not Appropriate for Visiting Not Ready Predictable Complex Recommended Special Qualifications: one-on-one work only routinely predictable interactions clients that are not medically fragile visit alone, not in a group low activity/few distractions no brushing or grooming during visit must wear halter while visiting must be carried while visiting Other: Overall Results Reviewed with Handler: Date: (The handler s signature above only acknowledges that the evaluator has reviewed these results with the handler, not that the handler agrees with the results). Evaluator Signature: Evaluator ID: Team must score no less than 2 on each of these exercises to be eligible for Complex Environment Qualification. Delta Society 2001. All Rights Reserved. Final Rev 0 September 2001 11